The Tavyside Health Centre opens in Tavistock

A new £2.8million health centre has opened in Tavistock.

The Tavyside Health Centre, which has been in the planning since 2007, opened its doors to patients for the first time on Tuesday.

Built on the site of the old Stannary Surgery at Abbey Rise, it is the home of a partnership formed with all seven GP partners from both the old Stannary and Wharfside practices.

Dr Graham Johnson, project co-ordinator, said: "I am delighted that we are finally at this momentous day which has been so long in the planning.

"This is a fabulous new facility which will serve the community of Tavistock for many years to come.

"We are now in the final phase of the project, which includes the demolition of the old Stannary surgery building in order to create our much needed car park. We realise this has been a particular problem for patients and we thank them for their patience and understanding."

The state-of-the-art building offers GP services, houses Tavistock's health visitor and midwifery teams as well as the town's Sure Start Children's Centre.

The building has two large waiting areas, a lift, soft-play areas for children, GP consultation rooms and treatment rooms for other health care services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, counselling, sports medicine, and a travel clinic.

It also has its own independent community pharmacy.

Dr Johnson thanked architect Steve Whettem and builders JE Stacey Ltd. He added: "They and the whole surgery team have all worked tirelessly to ensure the building was finished on time and have not compromised on quality in any way."

Tavyside Health Centre is also home to its own Training and Conference Centre on the third floor, which will be open for private hire.